HAPPY couple Eric and Mollie Dent are celebrating – after notching up 60 years of wedded bliss.

The pair celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary by pottering around in their home and garden – and then enjoyed a meal out surrounded by their family.

The couple, from Shaw Croft Court in Richmond first met at a Saturday night hop in Newton-le-Willows, and tied the knot just 18 months later.

They started married life in Eric’s home town of Bedale and moved around the region as he carved out his career as a dental technician.

But after spells in Northallerton, Sunderland, and Stockton they finally settled down in Richmond some 45 years ago – and have remained there ever since.

And their extensive family now includes not only son Adrian and daughter Lynn but also four grandchildren and a further nine great grandchildren.

“It just doesn’t seem as if it’s been so long,” said Mollie. “When you look back at it you can’t quite believe you have been with the same person for 60 years and never regretted it at all. We have no complaints.”

But she insisted there was no great secret about being happily married for so many years.

“It’s all about give and take – and although I’m the one that looks after the TV remote control I do let him watch his football.”